Now at the reception room of the House Moonlight’s manor, the duke and I sat facing each other. At the most corner of the room was the same bird cage with a yellow bird in it, the exact same thing I sent to the house as a gift.
‘To think that this bird has that kind of ability…’
‘It was more of the ‘Elf’s Precious Jewel’, rather than the bird though.’
This bird doesn’t have the capability to mimic people’s words like parrots. After all, it would have been bad if the bird were to have memorized dangerous conversations and just randomly spoke them.
But that’s where my ‘favor‘ comes. So that when it sees the signal of the flying birds and insects outside, it will speak ‘The 2nd prince will be visiting soon,’ and nothing else. Once the duke gives his affirmation, those animals would then convey his words to me thereafter.
The game was already past the condemnation phase, and it is now a race against time; there’s no time to go through every single step of making appointments.
‘But still, I was quite surprised to hear that the duke had slighted the domestic industry in favor of cheaper alternatives. I was sure that earnestly serving the kingdom’s interest is one of the house’s precepts.’
‘We’re talking about spending the precious tax of the people for expensive provisions, highness. I would naturally be opposed to such. Forgive me for my words, but the House Moonlight has never been negligent in its service of the church ever since it had assumed its name.
It is true that limiting the domestic production of the kingdom will greatly inconvenience the people. However, please consider that the opposition towards the use of magic tools has only relaxed in recent years. Even the mere importation of magic crystals was opposed in the past.’
In other words, he is saying that the choice of the kingdom when it comes to the purchase of the magic tools largely reflects the sentiments of the sacred church. If they would be hard-pressed to buy them, they’d rather import and purchase the cheaper ones. The sacred church’s allergy to common magic is just that severe.
‘And the reason why you involved your son in such transactions?’
‘He needs to gain experience being the one to succeed the house in the future. Supporting the sacred church is the core mission of the Moonlight Ducal House. As such, we are to live modesty, abstain from extravagance, and extend our hands to those in need. We try to instill these beliefs to our children at a very young age.’
‘It might be the fault of us, royals, as well as that of the sacred church, in turning the ducal house in that direction though.’
While austerity is a virtue, it should be done voluntarily and not be forced upon the citizens. Most especially, those who choose to do so in service of their country. But I wonder if the duke is aware of his son’s indifference to moderation. By the time I had started attending the academy and inquired about his grades, apparently, he was a problem for having many failing marks. However, he can be estimated highly depending on who you ask, or as Vlad himself said, ‘While there are times that I get harassed out of jealousy, those who are capable of understanding will understand..’
‘You seem to be confident in that regard, duke, but do you really believe so? Rather, I didn’t know you have more than one son. Perhaps, it wouldn’t be good to be obstinate in making Vlad your successor.’
‘His younger sibling is still too young and it would be too early to teach him about territorial management and governance. Also, Vlad is known to be particularly pious amongst the Sacred Church. He even accompanied Chloe in her ascetic practice when they were young.’
Hmm, so he practiced asceticism with Lady Chloe… Looks like she got along with Vlad instead of Darck. Well as the atmosphere in the House Sereknight is quite strained due to various circumstances, she likely found it more peaceful to be with the relatives of her mother. Although, she completely ended up being badly influenced by them.
‘As a royalty, I should find it admirable of the duke to exhaust his effort in supporting the sacred church, which is our national religion. But Duke, it is also the Sacred Church who kept you in chains. I do understand your need to strengthen your influence. However, allowing policies that go against the times to intervene in politics will do nothing but harm.
With the emergence of a new saintess and in concern to the treatment of Lady Chloe, I believe that it is time for the Sacred Church to reborn anew.’
‘Is that so. Reforming a state religion with honorable routes would prove to be difficult, even for royalty, sir. If you would be kind as to listen to my advice, his highness must first know the whole truth in order to change the church from within.’
‘And for that, I would need his majesty to anoint me as the crown prince… is what you’re saying, right?’
Looks like the time for that has come. Now that I think about it, my brother has had no new engagement ever since he had broken off his previous one. While Lady Momo is the most probable candidate, being the designated saintess herself, not only is she not a proper aristocrat, there is still no telling as to who she desires to get married with. This might be the perfect chance to challenge his position.
But really, how strange it is. The reason why the adoption talks of the lady were delayed was due to the troubles Darck caused by voicing his intention to break his engagement. While he was in love with the lady, he was just about to accept her as his younger sister. I wonder just what had made the young lord act so rashly.
While he did not particularly voice his intention to make a move on the lady my brother favors, the act of breaking off his engagement is synonymous with a declaration of his decision. It is not made public yet but, if Darck were to cause a problem right after his younger sister, the responsibility will fall to the minister to the right, instead. Did Lady Momo intend for that to happen? However, the game did not have this kind of development. On the contrary, wouldn’t it be rather unfavorable to her?
‘Well if it isn’t Prince Yello, if only his highness had informed me of his arrival, I would’ve offered him the appropriate reception.’
‘No, your consideration is not needed. I am about to leave.’
Leaving the manor after bidding goodbye to the duke, the young lord, which was just the subject earlier, had come rushing towards me. No matter how you slice it, I can’t help but doubt the high estimations for this man… were they involved with the Sacred Church? With such a lack of character and ability, perhaps it would be easier for them to make him do their bidding. The duke really needs to reconsider his successor.
‘Chloe’s case was rather regretful, sir. Well, we were indeed acquainted for quite some time, but her failure to answer to the expectations of the church was very much to be expected for Darck’s younger sister.’
‘…….’
Vlad kept following me as he kept his mouth running unnecessarily. And I was just told of their good relations earlier, now he’s talking about her like this… Well, the lady was indeed, punished for harming the saintess, so his attempt at saving himself to avoid sharing her troubles is understandable.
I was intent on ignoring him and going about my way, but his next words put a stop to my feet.
‘I mean, Darck was being the fool that he is; having illicit feelings towards the fiancee candidate of the crown prince. But then again, while the lady is the Saintess, she is still a commoner; which is in a way, truly a befitting partner to an illegitimate child.’
‘… Wait a moment, how do you know about that?’
I heard that Shiela was barely able to convince Darck not to make public of his intention to break the engagement. Did anyone amongst the tea party attendees leak the information, like say, Lady Chaco’s people? No, she swore to not disclose anything without permission due to the uncertainties of the situation. Besides, while Vlad was favorably accepted by the Sacred Church, he looks down on commoners.
‘I happen to stumble upon Darck within the castle and had a conversation with him. While only in law, he is still a relative of mine after all. That man is so heartless. He not only found the fact that his younger sister’s position was stolen by a commoner a delightful thing, he even went as far as to say that she was more worthy of it than Chloe.
While that just speaks of how much he hates Chloe, he spoke about how honored he felt in becoming the saintess’ older brother, and how the crown prince must be ‘the happiest man in the world.’ It felt as though he was trying to persuade himself, so… I couldn’t help but tease him and asked if he had fallen for the lady.’
Huh, so the one who made Darck self-aware was… Uwaa~
‘Then he was enraged, and said that I shouldn’t soil the lady’s honor with my worthless imaginations, so I replied that I must have hit the mark, then.
I told him that the saintess, as of the moment, does not belong to anyone. So I asked if he should feel fine if I were to announce my candidacy, seeing as he only thinks of her as a younger sibling.’
‘…So you induced him.’
‘But of course, I was not serious with that, you know? It was just my usual jests, something he should be perfectly aware of. But to think that he would make an enemy out of the first prince himself…’
That’s right. He is absolutely not the type to be responsible for such foolishness. No matter how he felt, he would’ve pulled back, burying his feelings for the lady that my brother had chosen. It was just Vlad’s usual silly spite, but with Lady Momo at the receiving end of his venom, Darck likely lost the capability to reason with himself.
The same fault lies with Lady Momo for not being clear with her heart. Vlad didn’t make such rash jests in Leddorio route, and if it was Darck’s route, he would’ve been bold, having recognized his feelings, in protecting the lady. On other routes, both of them would be unrelated.
(Was… this brought about by my doing?)
Vlad whose silhouette doesn’t even show in the game had derailed it from its usual course. No, this wasn’t necessarily my fault, but it is true that Vlad was making these unnecessary actions in an attempt to cur my favor because I involved myself with the House Moonlight. This was unexpected, and I can’t help but feel responsible…
I heaved a deep sigh. Placing a smile on my face, I grabbed Vlad by the shoulders.’
‘Vlad, I’ve thought of a task that only you alone could ever do. Are you willing to take it?’
‘Of course! By all means!’
‘Your father has invested in one of the correctional institutions within the Sereknight territory, which just opened recently. Won’t you try to test the living conditions there? For three years at least.’
‘….huh?’
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
Perhaps due to my bugging of the second observation assembly when I was feeling horrible due to Vlad’s matters, the contents felt far too worse. Was my brother always been this stupid? Or was it that I just glorified him too much? I heard that he felt rather pressured by his younger brother’s unconditional trust in the game but, who would’ve thought that he is the kind to berate his former fiancee in such a childish manner.
Lady Chloe was already condemned and en route to her banishment. Yet he still spoke of his desire to give her further despair and completely crush her accordingly. It had completely turned into his personal grudge. Although I do not think he was serious in wanting to execute her, I didn’t expect that he found her so irritating that he would disparage her at her most critical moment. I can’t completely fault him because she persecuted his beloved, but my brother had neglected Lady Chloe even before he met Lady Momo. While he may have fallen in love with her eventually, I thought that he originally only thought of her in order to get rid of his former fiancee.
‘Fufu, “It doesn’t matter,” huh?… Well, congratulations for getting rid of her obsession, just as you wished for, brother.’
Though I can only hear them, the thrilling sudden transformation of Lady Chloe was as expected, likely due to having remembered her past life’s memories just like Canaria. Now working for a lodging deep within the mountains, I can feel some sort of fate in her choosing of ‘Chaco Brown,’ as her false name.
Perhaps, we might be able to avoid the witch route.
‘Ah, I really can’t tell everything just from the sound, next time I will be participating personally.
…But still, my brother and the others are surely a bunch of children. Aside from Vlad, who’s been stupid from the start, do love truly make men this foolish?’
But my love for Canaria has made me grow so much. I wonder just where the difference lies. Maybe, Lady Momo is the kind of lady to transform men into hopeless creatures.
Anyhow, now that the situation is in utter chaos, I need to have the strength to put things into order. Brother will go to meet Momo tomorrow. I shall make use of that opportunity to make a move for myself.
Now at the reception room of the House Moonlight’s manor, the duke and I sat facing each other. At the most corner of the room was the same bird cage with a yellow bird in it, the exact same thing I sent to the house as a gift.
‘To think that this bird has that kind of ability…’
‘It was more of the ‘Elf’s Precious Jewel’, rather than the bird though.’
This bird doesn’t have the capability to mimic people’s words like parrots. After all, it would have been bad if the bird were to have memorized dangerous conversations and just randomly spoke them.
But that’s where my ‘favor‘ comes. So that when it sees the signal of the flying birds and insects outside, it will speak ‘The 2nd prince will be visiting soon,’ and nothing else. Once the duke gives his affirmation, those animals would then convey his words to me thereafter.
The game was already past the condemnation phase, and it is now a race against time; there’s no time to go through every single step of making appointments.
‘But still, I was quite surprised to hear that the duke had slighted the domestic industry in favor of cheaper alternatives. I was sure that earnestly serving the kingdom’s interest is one of the house’s precepts.’
‘We’re talking about spending the precious tax of the people for expensive provisions, highness. I would naturally be opposed to such. Forgive me for my words, but the House Moonlight has never been negligent in its service of the church ever since it had assumed its name.
It is true that limiting the domestic production of the kingdom will greatly inconvenience the people. However, please consider that the opposition towards the use of magic tools has only relaxed in recent years. Even the mere importation of magic crystals was opposed in the past.’
In other words, he is saying that the choice of the kingdom when it comes to the purchase of the magic tools largely reflects the sentiments of the sacred church. If they would be hard-pressed to buy them, they’d rather import and purchase the cheaper ones. The sacred church’s allergy to common magic is just that severe.
‘And the reason why you involved your son in such transactions?’
‘He needs to gain experience being the one to succeed the house in the future. Supporting the sacred church is the core mission of the Moonlight Ducal House. As such, we are to live modesty, abstain from extravagance, and extend our hands to those in need. We try to instill these beliefs to our children at a very young age.’
‘It might be the fault of us, royals, as well as that of the sacred church, in turning the ducal house in that direction though.’
While austerity is a virtue, it should be done voluntarily and not be forced upon the citizens. Most especially, those who choose to do so in service of their country. But I wonder if the duke is aware of his son’s indifference to moderation. By the time I had started attending the academy and inquired about his grades, apparently, he was a problem for having many failing marks. However, he can be estimated highly depending on who you ask, or as Vlad himself said, ‘While there are times that I get harassed out of jealousy, those who are capable of understanding will understand..’
‘You seem to be confident in that regard, duke, but do you really believe so? Rather, I didn’t know you have more than one son. Perhaps, it wouldn’t be good to be obstinate in making Vlad your successor.’
‘His younger sibling is still too young and it would be too early to teach him about territorial management and governance. Also, Vlad is known to be particularly pious amongst the Sacred Church. He even accompanied Chloe in her ascetic practice when they were young.’
Hmm, so he practiced asceticism with Lady Chloe… Looks like she got along with Vlad instead of Darck. Well as the atmosphere in the House Sereknight is quite strained due to various circumstances, she likely found it more peaceful to be with the relatives of her mother. Although, she completely ended up being badly influenced by them.
‘As a royalty, I should find it admirable of the duke to exhaust his effort in supporting the sacred church, which is our national religion. But Duke, it is also the Sacred Church who kept you in chains. I do understand your need to strengthen your influence. However, allowing policies that go against the times to intervene in politics will do nothing but harm.
With the emergence of a new saintess and in concern to the treatment of Lady Chloe, I believe that it is time for the Sacred Church to reborn anew.’
‘Is that so. Reforming a state religion with honorable routes would prove to be difficult, even for royalty, sir. If you would be kind as to listen to my advice, his highness must first know the whole truth in order to change the church from within.’
‘And for that, I would need his majesty to anoint me as the crown prince… is what you’re saying, right?’
Looks like the time for that has come. Now that I think about it, my brother has had no new engagement ever since he had broken off his previous one. While Lady Momo is the most probable candidate, being the designated saintess herself, not only is she not a proper aristocrat, there is still no telling as to who she desires to get married with. This might be the perfect chance to challenge his position.
But really, how strange it is. The reason why the adoption talks of the lady were delayed was due to the troubles Darck caused by voicing his intention to break his engagement. While he was in love with the lady, he was just about to accept her as his younger sister. I wonder just what had made the young lord act so rashly.
While he did not particularly voice his intention to make a move on the lady my brother favors, the act of breaking off his engagement is synonymous with a declaration of his decision. It is not made public yet but, if Darck were to cause a problem right after his younger sister, the responsibility will fall to the minister to the right, instead. Did Lady Momo intend for that to happen? However, the game did not have this kind of development. On the contrary, wouldn’t it be rather unfavorable to her?
‘Well if it isn’t Prince Yello, if only his highness had informed me of his arrival, I would’ve offered him the appropriate reception.’
‘No, your consideration is not needed. I am about to leave.’
Leaving the manor after bidding goodbye to the duke, the young lord, which was just the subject earlier, had come rushing towards me. No matter how you slice it, I can’t help but doubt the high estimations for this man… were they involved with the Sacred Church? With such a lack of character and ability, perhaps it would be easier for them to make him do their bidding. The duke really needs to reconsider his successor.
‘Chloe’s case was rather regretful, sir. Well, we were indeed acquainted for quite some time, but her failure to answer to the expectations of the church was very much to be expected for Darck’s younger sister.’
‘…….’
Vlad kept following me as he kept his mouth running unnecessarily. And I was just told of their good relations earlier, now he’s talking about her like this… Well, the lady was indeed, punished for harming the saintess, so his attempt at saving himself to avoid sharing her troubles is understandable.
I was intent on ignoring him and going about my way, but his next words put a stop to my feet.
‘I mean, Darck was being the fool that he is; having illicit feelings towards the fiancee candidate of the crown prince. But then again, while the lady is the Saintess, she is still a commoner; which is in a way, truly a befitting partner to an illegitimate child.’
‘… Wait a moment, how do you know about that?’
I heard that Shiela was barely able to convince Darck not to make public of his intention to break the engagement. Did anyone amongst the tea party attendees leak the information, like say, Lady Chaco’s people? No, she swore to not disclose anything without permission due to the uncertainties of the situation. Besides, while Vlad was favorably accepted by the Sacred Church, he looks down on commoners.
‘I happen to stumble upon Darck within the castle and had a conversation with him. While only in law, he is still a relative of mine after all. That man is so heartless. He not only found the fact that his younger sister’s position was stolen by a commoner a delightful thing, he even went as far as to say that she was more worthy of it than Chloe.
While that just speaks of how much he hates Chloe, he spoke about how honored he felt in becoming the saintess’ older brother, and how the crown prince must be ‘the happiest man in the world.’ It felt as though he was trying to persuade himself, so… I couldn’t help but tease him and asked if he had fallen for the lady.’
Huh, so the one who made Darck self-aware was… Uwaa~
‘Then he was enraged, and said that I shouldn’t soil the lady’s honor with my worthless imaginations, so I replied that I must have hit the mark, then.
I told him that the saintess, as of the moment, does not belong to anyone. So I asked if he should feel fine if I were to announce my candidacy, seeing as he only thinks of her as a younger sibling.’
‘…So you induced him.’
‘But of course, I was not serious with that, you know? It was just my usual jests, something he should be perfectly aware of. But to think that he would make an enemy out of the first prince himself…’
That’s right. He is absolutely not the type to be responsible for such foolishness. No matter how he felt, he would’ve pulled back, burying his feelings for the lady that my brother had chosen. It was just Vlad’s usual silly spite, but with Lady Momo at the receiving end of his venom, Darck likely lost the capability to reason with himself.
The same fault lies with Lady Momo for not being clear with her heart. Vlad didn’t make such rash jests in Leddorio route, and if it was Darck’s route, he would’ve been bold, having recognized his feelings, in protecting the lady. On other routes, both of them would be unrelated.
(Was… this brought about by my doing?)
Vlad whose silhouette doesn’t even show in the game had derailed it from its usual course. No, this wasn’t necessarily my fault, but it is true that Vlad was making these unnecessary actions in an attempt to cur my favor because I involved myself with the House Moonlight. This was unexpected, and I can’t help but feel responsible…
I heaved a deep sigh. Placing a smile on my face, I grabbed Vlad by the shoulders.’
‘Vlad, I’ve thought of a task that only you alone could ever do. Are you willing to take it?’
‘Of course! By all means!’
‘Your father has invested in one of the correctional institutions within the Sereknight territory, which just opened recently. Won’t you try to test the living conditions there? For three years at least.’
‘….huh?’
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
Perhaps due to my bugging of the second observation assembly when I was feeling horrible due to Vlad’s matters, the contents felt far too worse. Was my brother always been this stupid? Or was it that I just glorified him too much? I heard that he felt rather pressured by his younger brother’s unconditional trust in the game but, who would’ve thought that he is the kind to berate his former fiancee in such a childish manner.
Lady Chloe was already condemned and en route to her banishment. Yet he still spoke of his desire to give her further despair and completely crush her accordingly. It had completely turned into his personal grudge. Although I do not think he was serious in wanting to execute her, I didn’t expect that he found her so irritating that he would disparage her at her most critical moment. I can’t completely fault him because she persecuted his beloved, but my brother had neglected Lady Chloe even before he met Lady Momo. While he may have fallen in love with her eventually, I thought that he originally only thought of her in order to get rid of his former fiancee.
‘Fufu, “It doesn’t matter,” huh?… Well, congratulations for getting rid of her obsession, just as you wished for, brother.’
Though I can only hear them, the thrilling sudden transformation of Lady Chloe was as expected, likely due to having remembered her past life’s memories just like Canaria. Now working for a lodging deep within the mountains, I can feel some sort of fate in her choosing of ‘Chaco Brown,’ as her false name.
Perhaps, we might be able to avoid the witch route.
‘Ah, I really can’t tell everything just from the sound, next time I will be participating personally.
…But still, my brother and the others are surely a bunch of children. Aside from Vlad, who’s been stupid from the start, do love truly make men this foolish?’
But my love for Canaria has made me grow so much. I wonder just where the difference lies. Maybe, Lady Momo is the kind of lady to transform men into hopeless creatures.
Anyhow, now that the situation is in utter chaos, I need to have the strength to put things into order. Brother will go to meet Momo tomorrow. I shall make use of that opportunity to make a move for myself.
